Recently picked up a Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro and I love it! I also love bringing my laptop to the coffee shop to do work.
I’m wondering how difficult and expensive it would be to build a custom split keyboard to match the Kinesis as closely as possible. I would want this keyboard to be flat and use low-profile keys, but have the same thumb clusters and ortholinear layout allowing me to utilize the same muscle memory. I would also like it to be flat enough that I can fit it in a laptop sleeve case.
I have no idea how difficult it is to build custom keyboards. I’ve watched a few videos, but I would love some tips. I have some very basic soldering skills and I would love a fun project!
I want something designed to last, but I would love to do this for under $200 if possible. I have no idea if that’s remotely realistic.
If there are prebuilt split keyboard that match the Kinesis closely, I’m happy for recommendations but I figured this is specific enough it would need to be custom.
Thanks in advance!
Ergodox has a layout similar to Kinesis Advantage keyboards, particularly the thumb cluster. There are low profile versions of it. A quick search got me this: https://www.slicemk.com/products/ergodoxlp-wireless
You may want to also consider a Redox, which is a smaller, more compact version of the ErgoDox.
https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard
FalbaTech sells parts and pre-builds. https://falbatech.click/
Price doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue, if you can find someone making the board layout that you want.
Like any hobby, you can spend as much as you want.
But I think your budget should be very doable if you’re willing to go your own soldering.
I wouldn’t mind a weekend project! How do keycaps work for custom layouts? I don’t have a 3d printer and that’s the area I feel least comfortable in if that’s required.
I’m sticking with popular layouts, so far. That way I can get a pre-printed board, standard size keys, and a pre-printed case.
I’m not familiar enough with the keyboard you’re trying to replicate to say whether an existing popular design can be adapted.
(Edit: Searching up images of the board, I suspect you can achieve your vision for a flattened version by adapting existing popular recipes and using standard sized key caps.)
As long as the keys aren’t wild shapes, you’re probably fine. If you need special shapes and sizes, you may be able to order something close enough from a hobbyist with a 3d printer. There seems to be a good number of folks out there supporting us newbies for relatively cheap.
I know some folks go as far as getting their own board printed, and 3d printing custom key shapes.
I’m still working on my first custom board, myself, and decided to stick with a popular PCB.
Have you considered a glove80?
Yeah, but it didn’t seemed as stable or well built as the Advantage. And for a travel keyboard it’s not flat enough imo. But I know a lot of people like it and I didn’t actually get a chance to try it. But the Advantage does feel very solidly built.
It feels a little bit flimsy because the palm rest is only attached in a small area. Adding an extra connection between some of the feet on either side of that connection fixes that entirely. I’ve done it with a baseplate and that allows me to attach hem to tripods, clamps, etc. too.
They could definitely be more portable though. I’ve just picked us a mutch smaller Geist Totem to those ends. I’m hoping to build it over the holidays.